THE NATURE OF RADICAL ISLAMIC GROUPS IN SOLO

Abstract

Radical Islamism is a challenging new pheno-
\nmenon in the modern world, including Indonesia. Solo presents an especially interesting case 
\nbecause of the disproportionate nature of the radical Islamic groups that have emerged here 
\nespecially that of the Front Pemuda
\nIslam Surakarta (FPIS) as well as other vigilante groups in the city. This paper will explore and 
\nmap out the nature of Islam in Solo and asks what triggers the the emergence of the radical groups 
\nhere. Dramatic changes at the national
\nlevel have made Solo more politically conducive for radical Islamic groups, but this is not the 
\nonly reason why they have flourished. In addition, historical and sociological factors may help 
\nsuch groups to emerge. Hence, the dominance of the abangan group (the nominal Muslims) and the 
\nintensity of dakwah (preaching) conducted by some Islamic groups has given rise to the ‘instant’ 
\nMuslims who see Islam as the ultimate solution to their problems. The call for jihād and the 
\napplication of sharī‘ah laws are among the contentious political style that the groups propagated. 
\nIt is these issues that the paper is interested to investigate.
\nKeywords: Radical Islam, jihad, Ngruki, abangan.